2013 Nissan Altima taking shape

Now that we've seen the updated Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu, not to mention the already-on-fire Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, it's time for the rest of the mid-size sedan players to freshen up their offerings. Nissan looks to follow suit later this year with the all-new 2013 Altima, which our spy photographers recently caught testing with a very revealing camouflage treatment.

Up front, the new headlights and grille take a swoopier shape, as do the foglights below. (Squint, and you may see a bit of Hyundai Genesis in that front end – just sayin'.) Out back, the taillights get a similar dose of rakishness, probably akin to what we've been seeing on Nissan's latest designs – the Maxima, 370Z and Juke.

Reports have indicated that Nissan will offer a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Altima, and if so, it's unclear whether or not the older, 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four will stick around. Expect the 3.5-liter V6 to still be the range-topping powerplant, with six-speed transmissions (manual and CVT) to be offered throughout the range.